It was about 11:30 at night on Christmas eve (Australia), I was studying the stars (out of pur bordem) when I came across a object in the night sky which was very similar to a shooting star but much bigger, nearly like a tiny cigar. It was bright and had a strong white light as it streaked. It was travelling a an amazing amount of speed, leaving a trail of light that would fade quickly after passing section of the sky. Thinking it was simply a shooting star I watched it pass over the sky for about 9 seconds across a section of the dark night sky. Then without any warning it automaticly changed direction, it tuned back about 73 degrees on itself and sped for a few more seconds before dissapearing. Its entrence was as sudden as it's dissapearence. But for those last 3 seconds the craft flickered like a candles flame glowing a slight red. I have told this sighting to many people but none have beleived me, but I am sure of what I saw and it cant be of this world.

((NUFORC Note: We do not know how this student would have been able to measure the angles he cites during the 12 seconds, or so, that he was witness to the event. PD))